I'm so sorry this took so long…

So here's to Holly A (guest). I hope you enjoy some Hikaru/Haruhi.

Almost

First Year:

"Hey, um, Haruhi?" Hikaru asked uncertainly as he looked back at his brother. Kaoru gave him an encouraging smile and motioned him forward. Hikaru took a step closer to Haruhi and repeated, "Haruhi?"

Haruhi looked up from packing her bag. "Yeah Hikaru?"

"Would you, um," Hikaru stuttered. He cursed himself internally for being so nervous. Hitachiin Hikaru did not get nervous!

Haruhi raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Hikaru took a deep breath and tried to settle his racing heart beat.

Haruhi stood up straight and asked worriedly, "Are you alright, Hikaru?"

Hikaru nodded and took another deep breath. After a second of deliberation, he built up the courage and in one big breath said, "Will you go to the prom with me?"

"Huh?" Haruhi managed.

Hikaru took rubbed his eyes. "Will you go to prom?" he repeated dejectedly, expecting no as an answer.

Haruhi blinked and took a second to think it over. "Yes."

…..~…

Second Year:

Hikaru wrapped his arm around his girlfriend as they walked to Haruhi's house after going to see a movie at the cinema. "So…" he started carefully.

Haruhi raised an eyebrow. "What's that tone mean?"

"Prom's coming up," he continued.

Haruhi nodded, thinking about how much she hated buying dresses that had to match Hikaru's outfit perfectly.

Hikaru continued nonchalantly, "And Kaoru's got a date…"

Haruhi sighed and teased, "Are you going to ask me sometime soon or do I have to ask you?"

Hikaru laughed and asked, "Will you go to prom with me?"

"Of course!" Haruhi answered and paused in their walking to share a kiss.

…..~…

Third Year:

Haruhi tapped her pencil against the table as she tried to remember where Libya was located. "Stupid homework…stupid grades…stupid life," she grumbled to herself unaware of her boyfriend sneaking up behind her.

Hikaru suddenly put his arms around Haruhi's neck and kissed her cheek.

Haruhi jumped and the pencil flew up into the air. "What the-"

"Hey babe," he said low in her ear.

Haruhi waved him away from her ear, brushing it on her shoulder to get rid of the tickling sensation. As she leaned over to pick up her pencil, she said, "Why on earth did you think that was a good idea?"

Hikaru laughed heartily and sat across from Haruhi. "So, you going to go to prom with me?"

"Haven't we gone through this every year?" Haruhi smirked.

Hikaru nodded and said, "Yet somehow, I have to ask every year."

Haruhi punched his shoulder affectionately and said, "Yes, but Kaoru's picking both of our outfits."

"Why?" Hikaru whined.

Haruhi rolled her eyes. "Because for the past two years, we have a fight about what to wear and don't talk to each other for a day. I think this is the way to get past it."

Hikaru pouted, "Why does he get to pick your outfit?"

"Because he's not immature," Haruhi answered. At Hikaru's skeptical look, Haruhi continued, "As immature as you anyway."

Hikaru nodded. "He's going with Kotoyu this year."

"I thought they broke up," Haruhi speculated.

Hikaru clarified, "They did but they're going as friends this year."

Haruhi smirked, "And we all know where that will lead…"

"Making out in the back of the limo," Hikaru finished.

The couple shared a laugh before falling into a comfortable silence. Hikaru stole many glances at Haruhi before Haruhi finally asked, "What?"

"Why did you say yes?"

Haruhi raised an eyebrow. "Because we're dating and I love you."

Hikaru shook his head. "No not now. I mean three years ago, in our first year. I could have sworn you were going to say no."

"I almost did," Haruhi admitted. "I don't know what compelled me to say yes at the last moment, but I almost did say no."

"Thank God you didn't," Hikaru muttered.

Haruhi nodded in assent. "Tell me about it."

They sat in silence for another moment before Hikaru said thoughtfully and astonishingly, "We almost didn't get together…"

"Almost," Haruhi agreed.

…~…

Different format than normal…so what do you guys think? Do you like it?